save\ face

save\ face
v. phr.
To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame.

The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was money owed to him.

Bill would not play in the game because he knew he could not do well and he wanted to save face.

The colonel who lost the battle saved face by showing his orders from the general.

Contrast: lose face

Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • save face — phrase to avoid seeming stupid or feeling embarrassed We’re looking for a compromise that allows both sides to save face. Thesaurus: to not be embarrassed or to not embarrass someonesynonym Main entry: save * * * I retain respect; avoid… …   Useful english dictionary

  • save face — save (sb s) face ► to avoid or help someone avoid seeming stupid or being embarrassed: »The industry is simply trying to save face by dropping a lawsuit they realize is a loser. → Compare FACE SAVING(Cf. ↑face saving) Main Entry: ↑save …   Financial and business terms

  • save face — save one s good reputation when something has happened to hurt it Our boss was very embarrassed when he had to tell us that the company had lost a lot of money. However, he was able to save face when he showed that the problems were outside of… …   Idioms and examples

  • save face — If someone saves face, they manage to protect their reputation …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • save face — {v. phr.} To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame. * /The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • save face — {v. phr.} To save your good reputation, popularity, or dignity when something has happened or may happen to hurt you; hide something that may cause you shame. * /The policeman was caught accepting a bribe; he tried to save face by claiming it was …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • save face —    If someone saves face, they manage to protect their reputation.   (Dorking School Dictionary)    ***    When someone saves face, they manage to avoid humiliation or embarrassment and preserve their dignity and the respect of others.     They… …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • save face — Ⅰ. ► lose (or save) face incur (or avoid) humiliation. Main Entry: ↑face Ⅱ. ► lose face lose one s credibility. Main Entry: ↑lose …   English terms dictionary

  • save face — verb To take an action or make a gesture intended to preserve ones reputation or honour. He tried to make reparations to those he had injured, partly to save face …   Wiktionary

  • save face — prevent embarrassment, prevent more shame    To save face, the accused member should resign. It s embarrassing …   English idioms

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